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Event Information

Title

Autism in rural and remote general practice

CPD hours

3 Educational activity

Curriculum domains

Provide expert medical care in all rural contexts 
Provide primary care
Provide safe medical care while working in geographic and professional isolation

Curriculum learning areas

Adult internal medicine (AIM)
Communicator (COM)
Health advocate (ADV)
Mental health (MH)
Paediatrics (PAED)

Autism in rural and remote general practice

Enrol

Autism is estimated to affect 1 in 70 Australians and is associated with poorer health, education, social and vocational outcomes compared with the general population.

Aim

This course aims to support rural GPs in identifying the signs of autism and supporting autistic patients and their families through the process of assessment, diagnosis and beyond.

Audience

Rural GPs and those supporting individuals with autism and their familites.

Description of Activities

The course combines up-to-date information, engaging videos and case studies to enhance your knowledge, skills and confidence to identify and support the holistic management of autistic patients in your practice.

  • Pre and Post Course Questionnaires
    It is mandatory to complete both the pre and post course questionnaires, but your results from these will not contribute towards your overall mark in the course.
  • Four Online Modules
    • Module 1: Autism - What's it all about?
    • Module 2: The GP's Role in the Identification of Autism
    • Module 3: The Diagnostic Process
    • Module 4: Ongoing Holistic Management of Patients with Autism
  • Case Study Assessment   

Online learning hours:
3.00
Total hours:
3.00
 
Learning objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Define autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • Describe the diagnostic criteria and associated features.
  • Recognise the unique challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families in rural and remote areas, including access to diagnostic services, specialised healthcare, and support resources.
  • Identify the signs of autism in young children, older children and adults as well as considering the nuances associated with identifying autism in females, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and patients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
  • Explain the importance of early identification and screening for autism in the primary care setting.
  • Recognise the critical role of rural and remote GPs in this process.
  • Consider how you might adapt your routine consultations with paediatric patients to include developmental screening and considering autism early if concerns are identified.
  • Outline the diagnostic process for autism, including the types of assessments and professionals involved, and the role of the rural GP in facilitating referrals and coordinating care.
  • Formulate an initial management plan for patients undergoing diagnosis of autism.
  • Identify local and regional resources, support services, and networks available to individuals with autism and their families in rural and remote areas.
  • Provide guidance and support to families navigating the diagnostic process, accessing services, and advocating for their child or family member with autism in a rural or remote setting, including the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
  • Identify the role of the GP in providing holistic care to autistic patients across the lifespan.
  • Identify strategies for effective communication and interaction with patients with autism, taking into account their unique needs, sensory sensitivities, and preferences.
  • Describe strategies to create an autism-friendly practice environment, including accommodations and modifications to improve accessibility and comfort for individuals with autism.

 

Provider Information

Provider

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine

Contact

Education Development Team

Phone

61 07 3105 8200

Fax

61 07 31058299

Email

education@acrrm.org.au

Address

Level 1, 324 Queen Street
BRISBANE CITY
QLD, 4000